BREAKING: Supreme Court Issues Six Major Decisions

The U.S. Supreme Court released six significant opinions today, shaping American law on employment, international relations, religious rights, environmental policy, and healthcare funding.

1. Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services – Reverse Discrimination

In a unanimous 9–0 decision, the Court ruled that majority-group employees—such as white or heterosexual individuals—do not face a higher burden to prove employment discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. The plaintiff, Marlean Ames, alleged she was demoted and passed over for a promotion in favor of LGBTQ colleagues. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson emphasized that discrimination laws protect all individuals equally, regardless of group identity.

2. Mexico v. U.S. Gun Manufacturers – Liability Rejected

The Court unanimously dismissed Mexico’s lawsuit against U.S. gunmakers. The Mexican government argued that U.S.-made firearms contributed to cartel violence. However, the justices found that Mexico failed to show a direct enough connection to justify holding U.S. manufacturers liable. Justice Elena Kagan wrote that the companies had not plausibly aided or abetted illegal gun trafficking.

3. Catholic Charities v. Wisconsin – Religious Exemption from Unemployment Taxes

The Court sided with Catholic Charities, ruling that certain religious organizations are exempt from state unemployment insurance taxes. The decision strengthens First Amendment protections for religious institutions. While the ruling was hailed by religious liberty advocates, critics warned it could erode public support systems by allowing institutions to avoid payroll-related taxes.

4. Thompson v. United States – Clarifying False Statements

In a unanimous ruling, the Court held that federal law only penalizes objectively false statements—not merely vague or misleading ones. Patrick Daley Thompson had been convicted for a statement made to the FDIC regarding a personal loan. Chief Justice Roberts clarified that the law targets outright lies, not ambiguous phrasing or omissions.

5. Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County – Environmental Review Limits

The justices limited the scope of environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The Court held that agencies only need to analyze environmental effects within their regulatory jurisdiction. This decision may accelerate infrastructure projects by narrowing the required scope of review. Justice Kavanaugh wrote the majority opinion; Justice Gorsuch recused himself.

6. Advocate Christ Medical Center v. Kennedy – Medicare Payment Calculations

In a 7–2 decision, the Court upheld the Department of Health and Human Services’ formula for calculating Medicare payments to hospitals. The case affects how hospitals qualify for supplemental funding, particularly for facilities that serve a high number of low-income patients. The ruling favors federal discretion in setting complex reimbursement rules.